Here Think It Over was, powering away in the closing stages to win a second straight Group 3 Craven Plate and in the process unlock the door to a rich $1 million Rosehill Gold Cup bonus along the way.

The six-year-old gelding's original target had been the Cox Plate, given he'd matched motors with Chris Waller's star Verry Elleegant along the way this campaign, but the delay in opening state borders was a determining factor in staying in NSW.

It has paid off handsomely enough, backing up from victory in the Hill Stakes where he outlasted Shared Ambition by a nose, as this time there was no doubting his superiority.

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This time there would be no close calls, nor chasing superstars home into valiant placings.

This was Think It Over in top gear.

In front of a crowd of 10,000 as COVID restrictions eased, Sky Lab chased impressively two lengths away in second, then Lion's Roar, with Shared Ambition further back in the rematch, in fourth.

Another Craven Plate now offers Parker and owner Richard Johnston the spring bonus opportunity, if he can add the Rosehill Gold Cup title to his growing list of success, a race which appears to be at his mercy on October 30.

It's the same day former Nowra-based trainers Robert and Luke Price will hunt the $7.5 million Gold Eagle prize with Count de Rupee and fellow Kembla Grange trainer Theresa Bateup hopes to win the inaugural Four Pillars provincial final with Divine Breath.

"I think we've reached the top (of him) now, which is pretty good," Parker told Sky Racing.

"He showed what he could do last start when he really had to knuckle down and chase. Today, it was a pretty easy watch at the end of the day.

"He's a more furnished racehorse now. He's improved and he's enjoying it as much as we are."

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Parker was thrilled with the decision to stay in Sydney, whether or not they pick up the lucrative extra cheque at Rosehill.

"It doesn't matter what happens from here, it's been a great decision," he said.

It came as Waller climbed the mountain to take out the $15 million The Everest at Randwick on Saturday with Nature Strip, who held off sparring partner Eduardo.

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